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Opuntia polyacantha / Pleuraphis jamesii Shrubland | NatureServe Biotics 2019
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Name: Opuntia polyacantha / Pleuraphis jamesii Shrubland
Reference: NatureServe Biotics 2019
Description: This low-succulent association occurs in the northern Colorado Plateau. Total vegetation cover is between 15 and 30% and is characterized by patches of <i>Opuntia polyacantha</i>, with clumps of <i>Pleuraphis jamesii</i> between the shrubs. Other drought-tolerant shrubs may occur in the canopy with low cover, including <i>Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Atriplex confertifolia, Atriplex canescens, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Ephedra</i> spp., <i>Gutierrezia sarothrae, Grayia spinosa</i>, and <i>Sarcobatus vermiculatus</i>. The herbaceous layer is dominated by grasses, with <i>Achnatherum hymenoides</i> and <i>Hesperostipa comata</i> often present in addition to <i>Pleuraphis jamesii</i>. <i>Juniperus osteosperma</i> trees are scattered throughout the community but do not form a stratum. Cryptogams are absent in gravelly sites but may have up to 25% cover in sandy sites. Stands occur on hot, dry, relatively undisturbed sites on benches, valley floors, and on gentle to steep (4-72%) slopes between 1457 and 1628 m (4780-5340 feet) elevation. Substrates may be fine- or coarse-textured soils derived from eolian sand, alluvium and colluvium. 
Accession Code: urn:lsid:vegbank.org:commConcept:31208-{2F9E3643-D483-4371-A837-FB3675FC5E25}
Plot-observations of this Community Concept: 0
      Party Perspective according to: NatureServe (organization)
Perspective from: 14-Jul-2016 to: ongoing
      Names:   UID: ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.758172 NatureServe ExplorerNatureServe Explorer logo
  Code: CEGL002299
  Translated: Plains Prickly-pear / James' Galleta Shrubland
  Scientific: Opuntia polyacantha / Pleuraphis jamesii Shrubland
(convergence) and Synonyms:
(similar) Opuntia polyacantha / Pleuraphis jamesii Shrubland